Maya Angelou: Authors, including J.K. Rowling, pay tribute

Maya Angelou, poet and author of the memoir “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” touched many with her words and life. After she died Wednesday at age 86, tributes from authors and others began flowing on Twitter. Here is a sampling:

J.K. Rowling, author ‏@jk_rowling
“If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.” Maya Angelou - who was utterly amazing.

Kerry Washington, actor ‏@kerrywashington
But still, like air, she rises. Yes Ma’am. Rise. Rise. Rise. #MayaAngelou

Jodi Picoult, author ‏@jodipicoult
Thank you, #MayaAngelou, for teaching the rest of us how to use words with bravery and grace to move the world to tears and action.

Brad Meltzer, author @bradmeltzer
RIP Maya Angelou. Thank you for this lesson, which I use every day: “When people show you who they are, believe them.” - Maya Angelou

Tayari Jones, author @tayari
Dr. Maya Angelou, opened the door. Are we brave enough to walk through? and also: Maya Angelou was loved by the people. And that was beautiful to witness.

Nancy Pelosi, minority leader of the U.S. House of Representatives ‏@NancyPelosi
“Just like hopes springing high, Still I’ll rise.” — Maya Angelou, a truly phenomenal woman whose words will serve to lift our souls forever.

Alfre Woodard, actor ‏@AlfreWoodard
#MayaAngelou has taken flight. Let her rise, but hold fast to her words We now have to learn to speak with clarity and beauty for ourselves.

Russell Simmons, music producer @UncleRUSH
RIP to one of the greatest women this world has ever known. Thank you Maya Angelou for all of the gifts and knowledge you gave us ...

Chris Meloni, actor ‏@Chris_Meloni
We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated. RIP #MayaAngelou

Cyndi Lauper, musician @cyndilauper
Maya Angelou has passed away. She was a great light in the world. I feel honored to live in a world she influenced and touched so deeply.

Attica Locke, author @atticalocke
When I heard, my first emotion was #gratitude that I got to be on the planet at the same time as that magnificent woman.

U.S. Rep Charles Rangel ‏@cbrangel
Inspiring words & wisdom of #Harlem’s very own #MayaAngelou will live in our hearts & memories forever

Cory Booker, politician @CoryBooker
“If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.” #MayaAngelou: poet, author and activist, dead at 86

Angelique Kidjo, musician @angeliquekidjo
I will miss the amazing voice of #mayaangelou. She has inspired a whole generation for her resilience, her beauty and her passion for Africa

Tavis Smiley, journalist ‏@tavissmiley
#MayaAngelou took me on my very first trip to Africa as a kid. We’ve been like mother and son since. What a life, what a legacy. [Also:] A mighty tree has fallen. #MayaAngelou tribute tonight and tomorrow night on @PBS